i want to begin by thanking gorchlegovernor christie for prg me with this incredible opportunity. our professional relationship and friendship began more than 20 years ago as young lawyers working together in a new jersey law firm. we had our entire careers ahead of us. if someone had suggested to me back then that one day chris christie would be governor, i wouldn't have been surprised. i would, however, have dismissed out of hand any suggestion that i might someday be the new jersey attorney general, let alone a member of the united states senate. to have served here representing the people of new jersey has to rank as the greatest honor of my professional life. i will always be grateful to governor christie for the confidence he has shown in me by appointing me, and i will always be thankful for the wonderful opportunities he has given me time and again to serve in public life. i also want to thank my colleagues in the senate